Political Science and Liberal Arts Education in Missouri

Acclaimed universities and colleges throughout Missouri offer political science degrees, both graduate and undergraduate. Courses that students take in a political science curriculum in Missouri typically study the foundations of government, our political environment, institutions of government, international politics, political theory, political history, economy and much more.

Concurrent with or after earning a political science degree, some students opt to enter into pre-law studies or teacher education programs. These are two popular career choices for those interested in the study of political science in Missouri. A pre-law concentration or program can prepare a student in becoming a paralegal or for entry into law school. Teacher education programs ready the student for becoming a secondary or post-secondary political science instructor. These concentrations will add specialized courses to the basic political science curriculum. Mathematics, statistics, courses in law and justice, natural sciences and social sciences are usually included in specialized concentrations such as these.

Political Science Careers in Missouri

Some careers that can be entered into with a political science degree in Missouri are listed among the Hot Jobs from 2008 to 2018 in the state. About 2667 openings for public relations specialists, who currently average a salary of $51,774 annually, are expected in Missouri during that period. There are an expected 1675 positions for market research analysts, who now earn $61,898 per year, during that period. An expected 2153 new lawyers will be needed in Missouri during that time. Currently, lawyers earn about $107,784 in the state. An extra 469 political science teachers at the postsecondary level will be needed by 2018. These professionals currently earn an average annual salary of $66,052.

Private industry and business also employ political science degree holders at various levels throughout their organizations. Because Missouri is home to 11 Fortune 500 companies, it is the perfect place to begin a political science career, be it in public relations, marketing, law, government affairs, human resources or any other political science-related sub-discipline. Some Fortune 500 companies currently headquartered in Missouri include Monsanto in St. Louis, Charter Communications in St. Louis, Emerson Electric in St. Louis, and Peabody Energy in St. Louis.

How to Become a Politician in Missouri

Are you interested in becoming a Missouri politician? If so, the place to begin your election campaign is the Missouri Secretary of State's office. This is where all filings for candidacy for state and federal offices takes place. This office can also provide potential candidates with qualifications for all available offices in the upcoming election.

If you are running for any of the following offices, you must file your candidacy papers with the Missouri Secretary of State's Office: Judge, State Representative, State Senator, U.S. Representative, Auditor, or U.S. Senator. In no way is this a complete list of offices that must file with the Secretary of State. Consult them directly for information on an office you are considering that may not be on this list. If you are running for any of these local or county offices, paperwork must be filed with your local election authority: Collector of Revenue, County Auditor, Prosecuting Attorney, County Treasurer, Recorder of Deeds, Clerk of the Circuit Court, County Clerk or Presiding County Commissioner. Again, this is by no means an exhaustive list of offices for which you may file at the local or county level- it is just meant to provide examples of offices that do file at the local level. Any questions regarding elections, candidacy or filing issues may be directed to the Missouri Secretary of State - Elections Division at (573) 751-2301.